Starting the Journey: Initial Steps in Surrogacy Planning – January 15 (VIRTUAL)
January 15, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Guest Facilitator: Nir Keren, Babies Come True
Join expert Nir Keren as he guides intended parents through the crucial first steps of the surrogacy journey. In this session, we’ll cover the key legal, medical, and emotional considerations involved in planning a surrogacy, helping you navigate the process with confidence. Participants will learn how to understand their roles, set realistic expectations, and address important factors like financial planning, medical screenings, and legal representation. Whether you’re just starting or seeking clarity, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools for a successful surrogacy experience.
Supporting Fertility with Naturopathy: Holistic Approaches to Reproductive Wellness – January 21 (VIRTUAL)
January 21, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Guest Facilitator: Dr. Aida Martinez, Yoga Mamas
Ready to explore how naturopathy can support your fertility journey? In this session, we’ll dive into natural therapies, lifestyle changes, and dietary strategies designed to enhance reproductive health. Whether you’re considering fertility treatments or looking for holistic ways to boost your wellness, you’ll discover how naturopathic approaches can complement your path to parenthood. Join us to learn practical tips and empowering insights that promote both fertility and overall well-being.
Surrogacy Finance 101: Budgeting, Trust Accounts, and Financial Planning – January 22 (VIRTUAL)
January 22, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Guest Facilitator: Nir Keren, Babies Come True
Wondering about the costs of surrogacy and how to plan for them? This session is designed to give you a clear picture of the financial aspects of building your family through surrogacy. We’ll dive into budgeting, cost breakdowns, and managing trust accounts, while also uncovering hidden expenses and how to prepare for unexpected situations. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to confidently navigate the financial side of surrogacy and plan for a smooth journey to parenthood.
Parent Perspectives: Navigating the Surrogacy Journey as an Intended Parent – January 28 (VIRTUAL)
January 28, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Guest Facilitators: Chad Da Maren & Chase Jacusiw, James & Paul Sileika, Parents via Surrogacy
In this peer-led discussion, two couples share their unique surrogacy journeys as intended parents. This session explores two distinct experiences of choosing surrogacy as a family-building option. Designed as a supportive forum, it offers intended parents the opportunity to gain insights, connect with others, and access resources to support them on their own family-building paths.
World of Options: Exploring International Destination Surrogacy – January 29 (VIRTUAL)
January 29, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Guest Facilitator: Nir Keren, Babies Come True
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the growing trend of international destination surrogacy. In this interactive session, we’ll dive into why more intended parents are choosing to pursue surrogacy abroad, and how you can navigate this complex journey with confidence. We’ll cover everything from the benefits and challenges to the legal considerations and practical steps you need to know. Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy or considering international options, this workshop will empower you with the insights and tools to make informed decisions on your path to parenthood.
Navigating Surrogacy: Beyond the Surrogate or Egg Donor – February 4 (VIRTUAL)
February 4, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Guest Facilitators: Angie Pruim, Nici Shipway, Hive Surrogacy
Join Angie & Nici as they guide you through the ins and outs of the surrogacy process in Canada. With over 21 years of combined experience, they’ll share expert insights on navigating Canadian surrogacy, from finding the right team to understanding the crucial roles beyond just the Surrogate or Egg Donor. Whether you’re just starting or in the midst of your journey, this session will provide invaluable advice, demystify the process, and help prospective parents approach surrogacy with clarity and confidence. Don’t miss this chance to gain the knowledge and support you need for this transformative experience.
Queer Beginnings: Navigating Pregnancy & Parenting – February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 26 (VIRTUAL), March 22 (IN-PERSON)
February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 26 (Virtual)
6:30 – 8:00 PM
March 22 (In-person)
Guest Facilitator: Sam Leeson (she/her), BabyREADY, Childbirth Educator, Doula, Parenting Coach, Fertility Coach, Infant Feeding Specialist
This 7-week queer prenatal workshop series is designed to support 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and couples navigating fertility, pregnancy, and parenting. Each class provides educational content, tools for emotional preparation, and practical skills to help IPs (Intended Parents) and APs (Affirming Parents) feel fully prepared for the transition into parenthood. We will cover a wide range of topics, from emotional support and grief to medical procedures and newborn care. The workshops encourage open conversations about diverse experiences of pregnancy, birth, and family-making within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Topics Include:
- Introduction to Parenthood and the Early Pregnancy Journey
- Pregnancy, Labour, and Birth Preparation
- Trimesters and Expectations
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) & Medications during -Pregnancy
- Loss, Grief, and Healing/Coping Strategies for Labour
- Newborn Care and Preparation for Baby
- The First Days of Parenthood: What to Expect
Special thanks to:
Nourish & Thrive: Nutrition for Fertility – February 25, March 4, 18, 25 (IN-PERSON)
February 25, March 4, 18, 25, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 pm
TTC Tickets & Dinner Provided
Facilitators: Jennifer Atkins, MPH, Registered Dietician and Ahva Shirzadi, Mental Health Counsellor
This empowering 4-week series is designed to support your health and wellness as you prepare for your family-building journey. Offering practical, affordable, and actionable strategies, the program focuses on optimizing reproductive health with a holistic approach. Through a combination of economic and evidence-based tools, you’ll gain the knowledge and resources to strengthen your body, balance your hormones, and set a solid foundation for conception—without breaking the bank.
You’ll learn:
- Practical and realistic advice on how to nourish your body for fertility
- Key vitamins and minerals essential for fertility, and how to ensure your diet supports your body’s readiness for conception.
- How to spot misleading health claims and nutritional myths often promoted in the fertility space.
- How to evaluate the latest trends, supplements, and advice with a critical eye to ensure you’re making safe, evidence-based choices.
- How to navigate the social, psychological, emotional impact of the fertility journey
